Site Search Navigation

Site Navigation

Site Mobile Navigation

Going to Heathrow? A Few Survival Tips

By Elaine Glusac April 29, 2012 10:00 amApril 29, 2012 10:00 am

Luke Macgregor/Reuters

Heathrow Airport in London operates at 99 percent capacity, with 1,305 take-offs and landings each day – one every 45 seconds, except during the overnight ban. Since it can’t add capacity to ease demand during the Olympic Games in July, the airport authority aims to boost organization on the ground.

That means constructing a temporary terminal for the 10,500 Olympic athletes and their delegations, who will be diverted there the day after the closing ceremony, when 65 percent of Olympic Village tenants are expected to fly out with their pole vaults, bicycles and oars in tow.

“The whole reason we conceived of the temporary terminal is to ensure our business-as-usual traffic have a faster experience,” said Nick Cole, head of Olympic and Paralympic planning for Heathrow Airport.

But there are shortcuts for spectators, too. Here are some tips for navigating the gateway:

People traveling with children should look for security areas equipped with wider, stroller-friendly lanes, staff members trained to work with less familiar fliers, indicated by child-oriented signage, including a rainbow over the metal detector.

Travelers into central London are encouraged to take the Heathrow Express train rather than the Underground, which may be subject to congestion delays during the Games. Heathrow Express reaches central Paddington Station in 15 minutes, shaving 35 minutes off an equivalent journey via Tube. Of course, the efficient ride costs more, 19£ versus roughly 5£ for a walk-up, one-way fare

Airport administrators have rounded up 1,000 volunteers to help travelers navigate the airport. Attired in pink uniforms, they should be easy to spot.

Delayed? Catch a few winks at No. 1 Traveller renting bedrooms by the hour, located after security in Terminal 3 (singles 20£ per hour, two-hour minimum), or Yotel located before security in Terminal 4 (singles 32£ for up to four hours).

Correction: May 13, 2012A report on April 29 in the In Transit column about plans to ease the demand on Heathrow during the Olympic Games, using information from the airport, misstated the average number of takeoffs and landings it handles daily. It is 1,305, not 13,070.